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Eat + Drink is a new occasional section of Development News focusing on restaurant and bar happenings in Pittsburgh.

- Restaurateur Domenic Branduzzi, of Lawrenceville’s Piccolo Forno, has announced plans to open a second establishment in the Central Northside. The restaurant, which will likely be named Il Giardino—a tribute to its historic setting—will occupy the former Garden Theater space, and will be a key component in the block’s long-awaited redevelopment.

Il Giardino joins Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, which announced plans earlier this year to open in the former Masonic building, also on North Avenue. The block-wide redevelopment is a project of Zukin Realty.

Branduzzi hopes to be open by late summer, 2013. Construction at both restaurant sites is expected to commence simultaneously.

Branduzzi says the space will be larger than his current restaurant, at 4,000 square feet, and will likely feature a rear patio. Like Piccolo Forno, the restaurant will include a wood-fired pizza oven, with the addition of a pizza bar.

- In the South Side, Stagioni will be hosting a family-style farm dinner at their restaurant next Tuesday, September 25th. The dinner will feature produce from Pittsburgh’s Knotweed Urban Farm, a CSA and cooperative farm in Stanton Heights. The four-course meal begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $35. 2104 E. Carson Street, South Side. 412-586-4738.

- Truth Lounge celebrated a grand opening last week. The upscale restaurant and cocktail bar replaces the former Café Allegro at 51 S. 12th Street in the South Side’s Bedford Square. The menu focuses on small plates, as well as craft cocktails and high end wine. 412-381-9600.

- 21st Street Coffee has relocated to a new storefront space in the Strip District, at 2002 Smallman Street. The cafe is now next door to Kaya. "No, we aren't changing the name," their website reads.

- Mac Diner is now open in Allison Park, a breakfast-all-day eatery serving nine varieties of mac and cheese. Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 4848 Route 8, Allison Park 15101. 724-939-7434.